Steering mechanism for toy vehicles



Dec. 12, 1933. Q A N 1,939,379

STEERING MECHANISM FOR TOY VEHICLES Filed April 14, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNE Y Dec. 12, 1933.

STEERING MECHANISM FOR TOY VEHICLES Q. J. ANDERSON Filed April 14, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 12, 1933 1,939,379 STEERING MECHANISM FOR TOY VEHICLES Otto J. Anderson, Molin L Mfg. 00.,

e, 111., assignor to Buddy East Moline, 111.

Application April 14, 1932. Serial No. 605,223

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to toys and more particularly to steering mechanism therefor whereby they may be guided by a child, either when drawing the toy or riding on the same.

6 Among the objects of this invention are to provide improved means for the steering of toy vehicles; to provide a novel steering mechanism for the purpose indicated which can be used by the child for directing the course of the toy vehicle, either when the child is riding on the vehicle or is pulling it; and such further objects, advantages and capabilities as will hereafter appear and as are inherent in the construction disclosed herein. My invention further resides in the combination, construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and, while I have shown therein what is now considered the preferred embodiment of this invention, I desire this disclosure to be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

In the drawings annexed hereto and formingv a part hereof,

Fig. 1 is an elevation of a toy vehicle embodying my present invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan-view of a portion of such a structure with the steering handle omitted;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 2; I

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the handle shown in Fig. 1, the same being made at an angle of 90 with respect thereto.

In the annexed drawings, a truck is denoted by the numeral 1 and is shown as provided with front wheels 2, as is customary. A steering post is designated by the numeral 3. Automobiles and trucks are customarily provided with a radiator which has a filling opening. In the present case, the steering post 3 passes down what would be the filling opening for the radiator, being bent backwardly somewhat from its upper portion," in order to get the lower portion properly positioned. At the bottom of the radiator there extends back wardly a bracket 4 and through this passes the post 3, the latter being positioned and held by the bracket. At its upper end, the post 3 is provided with a T-head 5 to which is connected the handle 6. As shown in Fig. 4, thishandle is made up of a bent and twisted wire haying separated arms 7 at one end which are provided with hooks 8 intended to be engaged in the ends of the T-head 5. A slide 9 is arranged on the arms 7 and, when pushed downwardly thereon, draws these arms together so that the hooks 8 are held in the T-head. For convenience in grasping the steering handle 6, a loop 10 is formed at the opposite end thereof.

The lower end of the post 3 is bent backwardly at a right angle to the main portion thereof, as indicated at 11 in Fig. 2. Through this backwardly extending arm 11 is connected a link 12 which is connected at its opposite end to the tiebar 13 whereby the direction of travel of the wheel 2 is controlled. The axle 14 has spindles 15 connected thereto upon which the wheels 2 are mounted, as is usual. A seat 16 is suitably mounted on the toy and it is upon this seat that the child sits when riding on the vehicle.

It will be seen from the foregoing description, taken in connection with the annexed drawings, that when the handle 6 is swung to right or left, the vehicle will be steered accordingly. It will also be seen that this improved construction makes it practicable for a child to sit on the vehicle and steer the same while it is being propelled or to walk in front of the vehicle and steer it while pulling it by the handle 6.

Having now described my invention, I claim:

1. A steering mechanism for a toy comprising a post extending downwardly through that part 30 of the toy corresponding to the radiator of an automobile, rearwardly from the front face thereof, connecting means adjacent to the upper end of said post for attachment of a handle, a handle connected to said connecting means so 35 that it may extend either rearwardly or forwardly from the post; and means connecting the post with the spindle of the axle so that the vehicle may be steered by turning the post by means of the handle. a

2. A steering mechanism for a wheeled toy vehicle comprising a post having a T-head, said post extending downwardly through that-part of the vehicle corresponding to the radiator of an automobile and rearwardly of the front surface thereof, a handle connected to the T-head, a bracket extending rearwardly from the lower portion of the radiator, through which the post extends, an angular portion extending rearwardly from the lower part .of the post, and connecti-ng means between the angular portion and the wheel spindles whereby rotary motion of the post will be transmitted to the spindles to cause the wheels to turn in a horizontal direction.

. OTTO J. ANDERSON. 

